Exclusion and Cooperation between Bulgarian Roma and non-Roma in Bulgaria and the Consequences for Germany

The conference, hosted by Bulgarian Culture Institute Berlin and supported by MitOst e.V., casts light on the various consequences that exclusion of young Roma in Bulgaria has for Germany.

The young Roma are in many ways in the most vulnerable position in the society. The "vicious spiral of silence" has led to the marginalization of Roma, resulting in forming parallel societies. By examining the struggles of inclusion and creating safe spaces for the vulnerable youth, we want to gain a deeper understanding of the problem and its consequences for the European society.

Speakers:

1. Conflict: Mariela Nikolova, Amaro Foro e.V.

Mrs. Mariela Nikolova presents the experiences of Roma in Bulgaria in regard to discrimination in different social spheres. Based on her experience as a social worker at Amaro Foro she will cast light on the reasons why Bulgarian Roma choose to migrate to Germany and the problems they encounter in the host country. The focus is set on young Roma.

2. Cooperation: Prof. Dr. Hristo Kyuchukov

Prof. Dr. Kyuchukov will discuss notions such as integration, assimilation, and acculturation and will focus on young Bulgarian Roma in the German society (mainly living in Berlin). The ways and forms of integration in the German society will also be discussed.

3. Special Guest: Antoaneta Pophlebarova, Balkan Kids Foundation

In the third and final panel, Mrs. Antoaneta Pophlebarova, who actively works with all three target groups, namely Western European, Bulgarian Roma and non-Roma youth, will present her Balkan Kids Foundation, which is working on projects of non-formal education, charity and fundraising and active citizenship. She will also present one of the foundation’s partners in Varna, the Social Tea House.

After the presentations, there will be a Meet & Greet session with drinks and snacks provided. The entry to the conference is free. We hope for a short confirmation e-mail on the e-mail address below.